Your Introduction to Morse Code

This is a great tool for learning Morse code (CW) I find the structure of the lessons to be perfect for both my time and my skill level (starting out with no previous knowledge) These start off with simple letters, teaching the sound pattern and include simple words at regular steps. Based on my own learning speed, I would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn Morse code

Well I finally decided to take on the challenge. I have been trying to learn the code for years but between life and having no connect to amateur radio; I found many reasons to put it off. After making strides in  conversational Japanese , I decided to learn the code in 2014.The American Radio Relay League's "Your Introduction to Morse code" is an introductoin of two CDs and booklet that teaches Morse code at five words per minute in addition to the unique language and protocols of amateur radio communications. Historically, the five words per minute comprehension was a standard in the Federal Communication Commission's test to move up in the amateur radio licensing ranks but since the publication of this CD set, the Morse code requirement ended in 2007. The instructional CD uses a rote memory approach of teaching the code via repetition and association that is reinforced with spelling out words and sentences. According to the enclosed booklet, the code is sent using the Farnsworth technique sending the code at speed with extra space added between characters to slow the overall speed.Those of you to have done the research into learning Morse have read the arguments about the Koch and Farnsworth methods of assimilating the code and from my personal experience; the only method that really works is consistency and perseverance, moreso when there is no requirement to learn the code. Of all advice and opinion offered to as short cut to learn the code, the only consistent information is set aside ten to fifteen minutes every day and try not over think the dits and dahs. I have been listening to the instructional CD for about a week and already half the alphabet comes naturally to me in addition to some punctuation and prosigns.In short, the CDs the simplest and straightforward approach to learning Morse code. From production to packaging, the simplicity is apparent nonetheless you will get result so long as you stick to it. I would also recommend to the serious learner that they try to get their hands on a copy of  Morse Code - The Essential Language  written by another member the ARRL almost twenty years ago. Its an elaborate introduction the history and usage of Morse Code with more information about learning techniques and communication protocols.

When I purchased this item the price was $118. I thought it was a larger set to account for the price. When I received the item the stamped price on the item was $14.95 and it was only one DVD. I contacted the seller and questioned the price. The seller did get back to me quickly and verified that it was the correct price of $118 and that he or she thought it might have been out of print. The seller also cited another DVD which was identical that had a price of over $200. I decided to return the item and I was refunded that price plus a 5 percent restocking fee. I later found the same item for $12.50. The seller did respond quickly to my messages.

I like the cd very much, it is very informative. The only way (I believe) that it could be better is if it had a visual(dvd)effect. In other words, some feedback besides just writing down the letters and words. If there was some type of devise with which the student could also "send" the letters and words. If someone has - or can come up with a "kit" that includes both receive AND send - audio and visual - maybe using the computer and a printout to be used to better evaluate one's progress, one could learn more quickly. I would like to be able to "test" myself.

I find it funny that radio operators don't have to test at Morse Code but ship operators still do when we have at least 6 other ways to communicate on our bridge. Anyway, I used this program to learn the code for my flashing light test and it worked great for me. As the tones were played, I wrote the dits and dahs on paper and visualized the light. Then at test time I copied the flashes onto paper and had no trouble with knowing the letters. I'll continue to use this product whenever I need to refresh for my license upgrades.

This CS is a no nonsense guide to learning code. It jumps right on in and starts. the narration gets to you so I would only recommend short lessons with frequency. Otherwise, you do really seem to pick up the code fairly easily.

You do it, you'll learn it. Every "Ham" needs to learn this anyway. As an Extra, I can do it now. Get it, learn it, and use it. 73

Practice makes perfect.

My blind son found it perfect for learnig.